One of the Philadelphia 76ers’ most exciting games thus far this season is happening tonight as Joel Embiid and the Sixers will take on the Shai Gilgous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder for a battle between two of the league’s top MVP candidates. Read on for all the info on how to watch and what to look out for.
Sixers vs. Thunder Betting Info
Spread: Sixers -1.5 | Thunder +1.5
Moneyline: Sixers -115 | Thunder -105
Total: 230.5
Sixers vs. Thunder Game Info
Date and Time: November 25, 2023, 5:00 pm EST
Location: Paycom Center Oklahoma City, OK
How to Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBA TV
Injury Report
Sixers: OUT: Kelly Oubre Jr. (rib fracture) PROBABLE: Joel Embiid (L. hip)
Thunder: Jalen Williams (left hip strain), Lindy Waters III (lower back spasms)
Probable Starting Lineups
Sixers: Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Nico Batum, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid
Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren
Sixers vs. Thunder Game Preview
It’ll be a battle of the bigs tonight as reigning MVP Joel Embiid faces up against rookie Chet Holmgren. After missing all of last season due to injury, Holmgren has been averaging a whopping 2.3 blocks per game to Embiid’s 1.8 – though both are top 10 in the league. Both 7-footers have the versatility, ball-handling, and shooting skills to function more like guards than centers, ensuring a dynamic matchup throughout the game.
While Embiid’s experience will be essential to maintain an edge, Holmgren’s three-point shooting ability will need to be contained. The Sixers have had a few recent matchups with sharpshooters against Atlanta, Boston, and Indianapolis – but none of those teams had shooters who were seven feet tall. As such, Embiid and the team will need to work even harder to get back In transition quickly to limit the deft Holmgren.
Of course, the other major threats tonight will be in the teams’ star guards – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder and Tyrese Maxey for the Sixers. While the matchup will be less obvious since the two won’t really be guarding each other, the budding superstars will look to outscore one another.
While SGA has the lead in points per game and field goal percentage (30.1 and 53.8%, respectively, to Maxey’s 26.3 points and 46.0%), Maxey has the edge in three-point shooting (40.7% vs. 35.8%), and in passing (7.1 assists per game to SGA’s 6.3).
That said, OKC has another three-point shooting weapon off the bench that the Sixers are all too familiar with. Former Sixer and current Thunder Isaiah Joe is averaging 20 minutes per game and shooting a whopping 51.8% from three – making 44 of his 85 attempts thus far. To outscore the Thunder, Maxey must lead the charge, along with fellow guard De’Anthony Melton and forward Nico Batum, in taking as many open shots from deep as possible.
The game is sure to be one of the most exciting of the season for both teams and perhaps even the whole league.
